2 part beginner question

Hey Joshua,

keep my VST windows open

You can use the ‘pin’ button to affix the plugin window to the screen

http://tutorials.renoise.com/wiki/Plugin#Plugin_Instrument_Properties

adjusting note length, spacing

Tracker workflow is defined by the use of keyboard. So I would recommend taking a look at Preferences > Keys.

In you case I would highlight the following:

CTRL+SHIFT+Insert : Insert new row in column (push down)

CTRL+SHIFT+Delete : Delete row in column (move up)

CTRL+SHIFT+F3/F4/F5: Cut/Copy/Paste column

Notice how all these shortcuts are using the CTRL+SHIFT modifier. This indicates the column.

But the same approach can be extended to other areas of the pattern:

CTRL : Pattern

SHIFT : Track

For fine adjustments to the timing of notes you have the ‘nudge’ feature in the Advanced Edit panel

http://tutorials.renoise.com/wiki/Advanced_Edit

Also, here is a pretty cool editing idea implemented as a tool

https://forum.renoise.com/t/nudge-note-block-editing-tool/45609